BE QUIET MIND - by Calvin
I've been traveling the contemplative path for years now. Yes, I'm still an extrovert, but that's not the point. This one thing I seek is to behold the beauty of the Lord in contemplation. For me, these encounters with God range from quiet time in his presence to incredible revelations. But I still have a long walk ahead of me on this contemplative journey.
There's a book I've been reading by Madame Guyon (1648-1717) called, "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ." She makes a point about contemplation that it is no big deal to be quiet and devout for an hour if the spirit of prayer does not continue during the whole day. She also writes, "We must forget ourselves, and all self-interest, and listen, and be attentive to God." Her comments got my attention.
My contemplative discipline does not quiet my mind much beyond the time of evening prayer. Lisa would tell you that I am verbally intense. My mind is not always quiet enough to fully listen before I answer. The Bible has something to say about people like me.
My solace from the words of Madam Guyon comes through the grace of Christ and my view of Spiritual growth as a journey. I have not arrived yet, but I push on toward Christ-likeness. I ask Jesus to transform my mind and I seek to gaze on his beauty. We are urged to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
What do you say? Write a comment or ask a question. Read more about the Spiritual Discipline of contemplation on our Living for God web.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
There's a book I've been reading by Madame Guyon (1648-1717) called, "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ." She makes a point about contemplation that it is no big deal to be quiet and devout for an hour if the spirit of prayer does not continue during the whole day. She also writes, "We must forget ourselves, and all self-interest, and listen, and be attentive to God." Her comments got my attention.
My contemplative discipline does not quiet my mind much beyond the time of evening prayer. Lisa would tell you that I am verbally intense. My mind is not always quiet enough to fully listen before I answer. The Bible has something to say about people like me.
My solace from the words of Madam Guyon comes through the grace of Christ and my view of Spiritual growth as a journey. I have not arrived yet, but I push on toward Christ-likeness. I ask Jesus to transform my mind and I seek to gaze on his beauty. We are urged to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
What do you say? Write a comment or ask a question. Read more about the Spiritual Discipline of contemplation on our Living for God web.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
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